using a case report of a patient with spinal cord injury

Using a Case Report of a Patient With Spinal Cord Injury to Illustrate the Application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

Full Answer

How is a spinal cord injury diagnosed?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is generally regarded as the best method for assessing ordinary spinal cord injuries. However, the strong magnet used in the procedure can cause bullet migration and lead to additional neurologic damage.

When should a case report be undertaken after an injury?

This case report was undertaken 5 months following injury and 2 months before the planned discharge. At this time point, a new examination became necessary to adapt and coordinate the plan of care to account for the patient's improved functioning status that had occurred since the injury.

Is there a standardized management of acute complete spinal cord injury?

As yet, there is no standardized management of acute complete spinal cord injury. 8 Questions regarding optimal timing for spinal cord decompression surgery, utility of high-dose intravenous steroids, and the need for hemodynamic augmentation remain unanswered.

How common is complete spinal cord injury (SCI)?

Complete spinal cord injury (SCI) remains challenging to treat effectively, and recovery is limited in most cases. 1,2 The incidence of SCI peaks in young adulthood and is higher among men. Trauma is the most common cause of nearly 13,000 cases reported in the US annually.

How do you assess a patient with a spinal injury?

Perform an X-ray as the first-line investigation for people with suspected spinal column injury without abnormal neurological signs or symptoms in the thoracic or lumbosacral regions (T1–L3). Perform CT if the X-ray is abnormal or there are clinical signs or symptoms of a spinal column injury.

What are some assessment findings with a patient with a spinal cord injury?

Signs & symptoms of acute SCIFlaccid paralysis below level of injury.Loss of spinal reflexes below level of injury.Loss of sensation (pain, touch, proprioception, temperature) below level of injury.Loss of sweating below level of injury.Loss of sphincter tone and bowel & bladder dysfunction.

What happens in case of spinal cord injury?

Emergency signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury after an accident include: Extreme back pain or pressure in your neck, head or back. Weakness, incoordination or paralysis in any part of your body. Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in your hands, fingers, feet or toes.

What is the most critical assessment with a spinal cord injury?

Diagnostic Assessments CT is the modality of choice in the initial work up of acute SCI.

What is a spinal assessment?

Your doctor may ask you to: Walk across the room to examine abnormalities in your gait (pattern of walking) Bend or flex parts of your spine to assess spinal range of motion (eg, bend forward) Simply stand to identify any problems with balance, posture and/ spinal alignment (such as scoliosis or kyphosis)

What is the most common cause of spinal cord injury?

The leading causes of spinal cord injury are road traffic crashes, falls and violence (including attempted suicide). A significant proportion of traumatic spinal cord injury is due to work or sports-related injuries.

What are the three types of spinal cord injuries?

There are three types of complete spinal cord injuries:Tetraplegia.Paraplegia.Triplegia.

What are the complications of spinal cord injury?

Frequent complications in the acute phase after SCI are arrhythmias, bradycardia, hypotension, pain and spasticity. Knowledge of possible complications during the acute phase is important because they may be life-threatening and/or may lead to prolonged rehabilitation.

Which diagnostic is most commonly used for spinal cord compression?

Spinal cord compression is usually diagnosed by the following imaging tests:MRI.CT scan.

How do you assess spinal cord compression?

How is spinal cord compression diagnosed?X-rays of your spine. These may show bone growths called spurs that push against spinal nerves. ... Special imaging tests of your spine. A CT or MRI scan will give a more detailed look at the spinal cord and the structures surrounding it.Other studies.

What are spinal precautions nursing?

0:182:11Spinal Precautions for Nurses- Log Roll - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTogether. Again making sure we don't bend or twist the patient's. Back the third staff member canMoreTogether. Again making sure we don't bend or twist the patient's. Back the third staff member can wash the patient's back and when it's time to roll back again count to three and roll back gently.

Is spinal cord injury a complete or incomplete injury?

Trauma is the most common cause of nearly 13,000 cases reported in the US annually. This incidence rate is higher than in any other developed country. 3 The degree of functional preservation below the level of the SCI is used to classify it as complete or incomplete (Table).

Is there a standardized management of spinal cord injury?

As yet, there is no standardized management of acute complete spinal cord injury. 8 Questions regarding optimal timing for spinal cord decompression surgery, utility of high-dose intravenous steroids, and the need for hemodynamic augmentation remain unanswered. As demonstrated by our case report, however, early decompressive surgery may be beneficial in some cases. Randomized trials and/or large registries are needed to generate more data to support clinical decision-making that is now largely based on anecdotal cases.